1. Wisdom teeth haven’t served a purpose for thousands of years Back in the time of prehistoric people, diets consisted of raw meats, roots, leaves, and other foraged foods. Powerful teeth were needed to cut up these tough foods, as well as catch, dismember, and consume the foods. Having these extra teeth were a huge advantage, especially when there was no dentist around to keep teeth healthy. Since then, people have evolved, and now, we have a more refined menu. This means we don’t need these extra teeth to tear apart tough foods and survive. 2. Wisdom teeth cause problems Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually appear between the ages 17 to 25. While it is different from person to person, often these teeth cause problems …
Wisdom Teeth & Why are they Removed
What are Wisdom Teeth? Wisdom tooth is another name for any one of four third molars found in the permanent dentition (adult teeth). These teeth are the last or most posterior teeth in the dental arch. Although most people have wisdom teeth, it is possible for some or all of the third molars to never develop. It is also possible for a person to have more than four wisdom teeth. In many individuals, the wisdom teeth aren't visible because they have become impacted (not normally erupted through the gums) under the gingival tissue. Does Everyone have Wisdom Teeth? You know if you have wisdom teeth by examining your mouth and finding three permanent molars in each dental quadrant. However, if the tooth is impacted under the …
Dry Socket
You probably think having a tooth pulled is not a particularly enjoyable experience. And you no doubt expect to have some discomfort afterward. But that's OK, you say. You can endure it when you need to. But if the pain becomes intense and perhaps even worsen after a few days, it may be a symptom of a condition called dry socket, or alveolar osteitis. Only a very small percentage -- about 2% to 5% of people -- develop dry socket after a tooth extraction. In those who have it, though, dry socket can be uncomfortable. Fortunately, it's easily treatable. The socket is the hole in the bone where the tooth has been removed. After a tooth is pulled, a blood clot forms in the socket to protect the bone and nerves underneath. Sometimes that …